Social Circle mayor race gains second candidate

Hosea Jackson

Retired Social Circle native Hosea Jackson has entered the town's mayoral race because he wants to see a revived downtown and more support for small businesses.

Jackson, 60, said he has considered running for the past seven years because the town is deteriorating.

Campaign assistant Michele Bagnuolo said Jackson is trying to shake things up in his small town.

"The city can use some new old blood. Take a look at the downtown area. Whatever we've been doing for the last several years hasn't been working," said Bagnuolo, who noted that Jackson knows nearly everyone in town."He wants to get people more involved, get more suggestions. I've only lived here for three years, but people have lots of ideas. A lot of ideas die on the vine here."

Jackson said the government seems more focused on attracting corporations than on the quality of life in Social Circle.

Jackson retired from Leggett and Platt, which made wire shelving systems, after 29 years at the company, the last 16 as plant superintendent. Prior to that, he worked on a cotton, pecan and corn farm.

He graduated high school in Monroe but did not attend college. He did take some courses at the University of Georgia through Leggett and Platt.

Jackson said he provides people with rides back and forth to the store and tries to help where he can in the community.

Social Circle Councilman David Keener has already announced a bid for mayor, while current Mayor Jim Burgess said he remains undecided.